Benjamin Funeral Services

01/06/2026

James Franklin Loyd

James Franklin Loyd, age 76, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

James was born on September 5, 1949, in Vivian, Oklahoma, to Clensie Loyd and Alta (Devore) Loyd. In July of 1982, James met the love of his life, Bekki Brannan-Davis, and they were married on October 8, 1982. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

James worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator, running a dozer for Earth Movers, P&K Coal, and Bemis Construction. He later worked in the coal mines for Phoenix Coal before joining Brakefield Equipment, where he retired in 2019. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and pride in honest work.

A devoted family man, James was the father of four children from a previous marriage and lovingly stepped in to raise the three children Bekki brought into the marriage as his own. He led by example, offering steady guidance, unconditional love, and support to his family.

James was active in RESET Church (formerly Living Word Family Church), where he faithfully served as an usher and door greeter, welcoming everyone with warmth and kindness. Upon retirement, he became a vital part of the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank, continuing a life of service by helping care for others in his community.

A man of strong faith, James trusted in the Lord throughout his life and leaned on God’s grace in every season. His Christian beliefs shaped his character and gave him peace in the promise of eternal life.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Clensie and Alta (Devore) Loyd; his brother, Kenneth Loyd; his sister, Francis Coe; and his nephews, Ronnie and Tommy Moffett.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bekki Loyd, of the home; son Jody Yarberry and wife Kayla of Dewar, Oklahoma; son Jeffrey Yarberry and wife Stephanie; twin daughters Jill Yarberry and Julie Yarberry, all of Missouri; son Phillip Davis and wife Sonia of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; son Robert Davis and wife Shanda of Copan, Oklahoma; daughter Andrea Davis of Nowata, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren who loved him dearly and affectionately called him Pa; 12 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way; a host of nieces and nephews; and his lifelong best friend, Bill Russell of Dewar, Oklahoma.

James is now resting in the presence of his Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. His legacy of faith, service, hard work, and deep love for family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service to celebrate James’s life will be held; the date and time are still pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006, or to RESET Church, 225 S. Ash, Nowata, Oklahoma 74048.

Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W Cherokee Ave., Nowata.

View James Franklin Loyd's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2026

Sarah Belle Pugh

Sarah Belle Pugh, lovingly known to nearly everyone as “Sally,” was born on November 29, 1928, in Glencoe, Oklahoma, to Earnest N. and Minnie “Marie” Marler. She grew up on Oklahoma farms during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, experiences that shaped her resilience, faith, and lifelong gratitude. Her parents worked hard, traded shrewdly, and made a warm and loving home filled with good food, gardens, and the steady rhythm of farm life.

As a child, Sarah was spunky, determined, and happiest outdoors. She learned to milk cows at a very young age, followed her father and brother to the barn, and wanted to be wherever the work or excitement was. She loved to help in the fields and even picked cotton alongside the workers, who once made up a song about “that baby picking cotton.” Though she survived many serious childhood illnesses, including appendicitis and polio, and even a brain tumor later in her 20’s, she faced each challenge with grit and courage and went on to live a full and generous life.

Sarah excelled in school, enjoying track and developing the baking and cooking skills she would later be loved for throughout her community. Her pie crusts and homemade hot rolls became locally famous, often sought after for school and community fundraisers.

Sarah met and married the love of her life, Richard Pugh before he left for military service. While he was stationed in the Philippines, Sarah welcomed their first child. After his discharge, they used the GI Bill to further Richard’s training, eventually settling in Nowata, where they built their family home. Together Richard and “Sally,” as he lovingly nicknamed her, raised their 4 children, Judy, Shirley, Justin, and Richard, with love, discipline, laughter, faith, fishing, and plenty of home-cooked meals.

Sally devoted her life to caring for others. She worked in many roles of service throughout her life: babysitting many Nowata children, school lunchroom monitor and cook, Osage nursing home cook, and later a dietitian at the Hayes House. She poured herself into every task with kindness and a sense of mission.

Her greatest devotion was to her faith and her family. After joining Hillside Christian Church, she served faithfully for decades as a Sunday school teacher, Children’s Hour helper, camp cook, and tireless volunteer. She taught, cooked, visited, transported friends to church, and loved her Joy Class in later years. Church, God, and Jesus always came first in her life.

Sally was also known for her joy in simple pleasures: fishing (often twice a day in retirement), Cardinals baseball games, traveling to watch children and grandchildren’s sports, and cheering from the stands wrapped in blankets during cold football nights. She never missed a chance to support her family—attending games, graduations, weddings, and every milestone she could. She was famous for her birthday cards, phone calls, Christmas gatherings, rice krispie treats, and a place for the neighborhood kids to play.

Above all, she will be remembered as “Grandma Sally”—loving, playful, faithful, steady, and endlessly giving. She dedicated her life to God, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always offering them the best of her time, energy, and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Minnie “Marie” Marler; her husband Richard Pugh; siblings George Marler and Mary Ann Cranor; son-in-law Louis Linville; son-in-law Mark Campbell; and grandson Darren Linville.

Sarah Belle “Sally” is survived by:

• her sister, Vivian Billbe of Oglesby, Oklahoma

and her loving children:

• Judy Louise Linville of Nowata

• Shirley Marie Campbell of Claremore

• Earnest Justin Pugh and wife Donna of Nowata

• Richard Henry Pugh Jr. and wife Becky of Nowata

She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom was a blessing she treasured and prayed for.

Sarah Belle lived a long life marked by faith, resilience, gratitude, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of prayer, strength, humor, and fishing stories that will be told for generations. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Visitation for Sarah Pugh will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Benjamin Funeral Chapel at Benjmain Funeral Home 114 W. Cherokee St., Nowata, Oklahoma

Graveside services will be held by Benjamin Funeral Home at Nowata Memorial Cemetery Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W Cherokee Ave., Nowata.

View Sarah Belle Pugh's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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